Elbaum, Alpine's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, statedthat "Alpine's investments in Wolverine Tube and Synergy Cables aresignificantly and adversely affected by the economic downturn. Wolverinerevenues in some key product lines are down 40-50% from prior year levels.Nonetheless, we believe that these comparative declines reflect similardeclines and inventory destocking experienced by key customers and notmarket share losses. In the case of Wolverine, it successfully concludedan exchange offer that extended the maturity of all of its debt until2012. While costly, this extension will hopefully take Wolverine throughto a recovery in the economy and demand for its products. Wolverine hasrestructured, improved its competitiveness and is well positioned tostrongly benefit from a recovery in the commercial markets and thedevelopment of new electronic cooling applications for new markets such asaerospace and power electronics.

Synergy's business will benefit greatlyfrom, among other factors, the renewed availability of credit forinfrastructure products in which power cable is used."While currently under substantial pressure due to the punishing downturn,we believe these businesses offer much potential for attractive valuecreation as part of a larger economic recovery. At the same time we arealert to opportunities for synergistic investments in complementarybusinesses or stand alone distressed investment opportunities where newownership can add value."All statements in this press release other than statements of historicalfact are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safeharbor" provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations andbeliefs and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties thatcould cause actual results to differ materially from those described inthis press release. The forward-looking statements speak only as of thedate of this press release, and the Company expressly disclaims anyobligations to release publicly any update or revision to anyforward-looking statement contained herein if there are any changes inconditions or circumstances on which any such forward-looking statementis based.The Alpine Group, Inc.

(PINKSHEETS: APNI) has substantial experience inoperating and actively managing companies in which it invests capital.Alpine has focused on industrial and other businesses that areunderperforming, experiencing financial constraints and will benefit fromoperational improvements consolidation and an improved capital structure.Alpine has actively invested in and operated leading domestic and globalmanufacturers of specialty materials, coatings, wire and cable productsand electronic components.Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.-0-. NEW YORK, July 20 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rallied onMonday, pushing the S&P 500 to an eight-month closing high,after CIT Group Inc (CIT.N) was thrown a lifeline to avoidbankruptcy, and investors bet corporate America would loganother strong set of earnings this week. Stocks  |  Bonds *The Nasdaq set a closing high for the year. * Broker upgrades of technology bellwethers, includingCisco Systems (CSCO.O), propelled the Nasdaq to its ninthstraight daily advance -- matching a streak from July 1998. The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI shot up 104.21points, or 1.19 percent, to end unofficially at 8,848.15.

TheStandard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX gained 10.75 points, or1.14 percent, to finish unofficially at 951.13. The NasdaqComposite Index .IXIC jumped 22.68 points, or 1.20 percent,to close unofficially at 1,909.29. (Reporting by Edward Krudy; Editing by Jan Paschal) Stocks Bonds. "Weare further encouraged by the particularly strong growth of our highestquality deposits.